Revolutionary Modular Timber Playgrounds Transform Disaster Zones: Sustainable Relief Through Play!

For Alexander Meininger, a photographer and new father, the experience of parenthood shifted his focus significantly. He found himself frequently at playgrounds, watching his children play, a routine that sparked a new creative direction for him.

Originally from Germany and now residing in London, Meininger has always been inclined towards crafting and building. His initial project was constructing an indoor treehouse for his sons. However, his motivation took a more ambitious turn during the Ukraine conflict when the widespread damage to infrastructure made him think about the impact on children. This led to the inception of Playrise, a charity he established in London that provides flatpack play equipment and furniture for families displaced by disasters.

Initially, Meininger considered reusing debris from conflict zones to build playgrounds, but soon realized the need for something affordable and easy to assemble. He likened it to the need for simple, functional furniture in temporary housing situations where permanence is not an option.

To bring his vision to life, Meininger collaborated with the UK architectural firm OMMX and engineering group Webb Yates to develop prototypes. Partnering with NGOs like Empowerment for Development and Save the Children, he connected with displaced communities in Egypt and Ethiopia to tailor the play equipment to their specific needs. His team visited the Aysaita refugee camp in Ethiopia and two locations in Egypt, engaging directly with the communities there.

Hikaru Nissanke, director of OMMX, found that Playrise aligned well with their firm’s values, which also include running a UK scheme called Young Policymakers, aimed at advocating for children’s needs within the building sector.

The Playrise prototype is a versatile set of iroko hardwood beams and planks secured with metal bolts, which can be customized with various additions such as ropes, monkey bars, and basketball hoops. The design allows for flexibility in assembly to accommodate different spaces and user needs. If any parts fail, they are easily replaceable, and all bolts are secured with playground-specific safety nuts.

Nissanke described the project as complex due to the need to mass-produce the structures while making them feel uniquely personal to each community. They had to consider a wide range of environmental conditions, from expansive deserts to tight urban spaces. However, they discovered a universal desire among all children to play and experience joy, regardless of their circumstances.

Studies have shown that play is crucial for children’s development. It not only provides fun but also aids in the development of motor skills and fosters important social skills like teamwork, cooperation, and communication. According to Unicef, by 2025, nearly 50 million children were displaced, with young people making up about 40% of the over 122 million individuals displaced due to conflict. The UN Council of Human Rights notes that nearly one in six children worldwide are impacted by warfare.

The first set of Playrise equipment will be sent to the Aysaita camp in Ethiopia next month. This camp has been operational since 2007, and some children there have spent their entire lives in these desert environments. Nissanke mentioned that the families reported their children actively participated in assembling the play structures, which not only provided them with enjoyment but also valuable practical skills that could one day be useful in constructing and maintaining their own homes. This aspect of the project was particularly moving given the uncertain conditions these families face.

Looking ahead, Meininger is cautiously optimistic about expanding Playrise. While ideas like community gardens and meeting spaces are on his mind, his current focus is on scaling up the project to ensure that the playsets are readily available for NGOs and the children they serve.

Meininger emphasized the importance of approaching this project without imposing a Western perspective on what children should do or enjoy. From his experiences, he has observed that despite cultural differences, all parents share a common desire for their children to thrive and have opportunities to play.

• For more information on Playrise, visit the charity website